Adding Arbitrum to MetaMask is a simple yet powerful step for anyone looking to explore faster, low-cost Ethereum-based transactions. As a leading Layer-2 scaling solution, Arbitrum enhances the Ethereum network by reducing congestion and slashing gas fees—while maintaining Ethereum’s renowned security. With MetaMask being one of the most widely used crypto wallets, integrating Arbitrum unlocks access to a growing ecosystem of decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and dApps.
This guide walks you through the complete process of adding Arbitrum to your MetaMask wallet, whether you're using the browser extension or mobile app. You'll also learn why Arbitrum matters, how it works within the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) environment, and what you can do once connected.
What Is Arbitrum?
Arbitrum is a Layer-2 (L2) scaling solution developed by Offchain Labs to improve Ethereum's performance. It addresses two major pain points on the Ethereum blockchain: high transaction fees and slow processing times. By processing transactions off the main Ethereum chain (Layer-1) and then settling them back on Ethereum, Arbitrum significantly boosts speed and reduces costs—without compromising security.
Because Arbitrum is fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), developers can deploy existing smart contracts without modification. This makes it easy for dApps to migrate or expand onto Arbitrum, offering users a seamless experience.
Popular use cases on Arbitrum include:
- Yield farming and liquidity provision
- Decentralized exchanges (DEXs)
- NFT marketplaces
- Cross-chain bridges
With growing adoption across the DeFi space, connecting your MetaMask wallet to Arbitrum opens doors to innovative applications with near-instant confirmations and minimal fees.
How to Add Arbitrum to MetaMask in 5 Steps
You don’t need technical expertise to connect MetaMask to Arbitrum. The process takes just a few minutes and works the same across Chrome, Firefox, iOS, and Android devices.
👉 Discover how easy it is to connect to high-performance blockchain networks like Arbitrum.
Step 1: Install and Set Up MetaMask
If you haven’t already, download MetaMask from the official website as a browser extension or mobile app.
- Visit metamask.io and install the extension for Chrome, Firefox, or another supported browser.
- Click “Create a Wallet” if you’re new, or “Import Wallet” if you already have a seed phrase.
- Create a strong password (remember: this is not your seed phrase).
- Carefully write down and securely store your 12-word recovery phrase—this is your only way to recover your wallet.
- Confirm the seed phrase when prompted and complete setup.
Once installed, your wallet will default to the Ethereum Mainnet.
Step 2: Open Network Settings
- Click on the network dropdown in the top-left corner of your MetaMask interface (it says “Ethereum Mainnet” by default).
- Select “Add Network”, then choose “Add a network manually”.
Step 3: Enter Arbitrum Network Details
Fill in the following RPC configuration details for Arbitrum One, the mainnet version of Arbitrum:
- Network Name: Arbitrum One
- New RPC URL:
https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc - Chain ID:
42161 - Currency Symbol (optional): ETH
- Block Explorer URL (optional):
https://arbiscan.io
After entering all fields correctly, click “Save”.
Step 4: Approve and Switch Networks
MetaMask will prompt you to approve adding the new network. Click “Approve”, then wait briefly for confirmation. Once added, you can switch between Ethereum and Arbitrum using the network selector at the top of the wallet.
You’ll now see your account balance under the Arbitrum One network—though it may show zero until you bridge assets over.
Step 5: Start Using Arbitrum
Congratulations! Your MetaMask is now connected to Arbitrum. You can:
- Visit dApps like Uniswap, GMX, or Camelot directly via their Arbitrum versions
- Swap tokens using integrated DeFi tools
- Claim or trade NFTs on platforms like Quixotic or TreasureDAO
- Provide liquidity and earn yield on L2-native protocols
Just remember: you’ll need ETH on Arbitrum to pay gas fees. We’ll cover how to get that next.
How to Get ETH on Arbitrum
Since Arbitrum operates as a separate network, your Ethereum Mainnet ETH won’t appear automatically. You need to bridge your funds using a cross-chain bridge.
The official method is the Arbitrum Bridge:
- Go to bridge.arbitrum.io
- Connect your MetaMask wallet
- Select ETH as the token and confirm the amount
- Initiate the transfer from Ethereum to Arbitrum
Note: Transfers from Ethereum to Arbitrum take about 5–7 days for full withdrawal due to security delays—but fast bridges like Orbiter Finance or Hop Exchange offer near-instant transfers at a small fee.
👉 Learn how top traders access fast, low-cost transactions across multiple EVM chains.
Why Use Arbitrum Over Ethereum Mainnet?
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Lower Fees | Gas fees on Arbitrum are typically 90% lower than on Ethereum. |
| Faster Transactions | Finality times are much quicker due to off-chain computation. |
| EVM Compatibility | All Ethereum tools, wallets, and dApps work seamlessly. |
| Growing Ecosystem | Hundreds of DeFi projects and NFT platforms now support Arbitrum. |
Using Arbitrum doesn’t mean leaving Ethereum behind—it means enhancing your experience with better scalability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I add Arbitrum to MetaMask on mobile?
Yes! The process is identical on the MetaMask mobile app. Tap your current network (e.g., Ethereum), select “Add Network,” input the RPC details manually, and save.
Do I need a new wallet for Arbitrum?
No. You use the same MetaMask wallet. Arbitrum is simply another network your wallet connects to—just like switching between countries with one passport.
Why isn’t my token balance showing on Arbitrum?
Tokens must be bridged from Ethereum or another chain. If you’ve used a third-party bridge, ensure you’re viewing the correct network in MetaMask and that the token address is supported.
Is Arbitrum safe?
Yes. While it operates off-chain, transaction data is posted back to Ethereum, relying on its secure consensus layer. However, always verify contract addresses and avoid suspicious dApps.
Can I add other EVM-compatible chains using this method?
Absolutely. This manual network addition method works for Polygon, BNB Smart Chain, Avalanche C-Chain, Optimism, and more—just use their respective RPC details.
What happens if I send ETH directly to my Arbitrum address on Ethereum?
Sending ETH directly from an exchange to your Arbitrum address won’t work—you must use a bridge. Otherwise, funds may be lost permanently.
Final Thoughts
Connecting MetaMask to Arbitrum is one of the smartest moves for Ethereum users seeking faster transactions and lower costs. With full EVM compatibility and strong security backed by Ethereum’s base layer, Arbitrum offers an optimal balance of performance and reliability.
Whether you're diving into DeFi yield strategies, trading NFTs, or exploring new dApps, having Arbitrum in your wallet expands your reach across the decentralized web.
And once you’ve mastered adding one custom network, you can apply the same steps to integrate other EVM-compatible blockchains like Polygon or BNB Smart Chain—giving you true cross-chain flexibility.
👉 Maximize your crypto potential by connecting to scalable networks today.